BERLIN FICTION
Germany, 2024
Director: Zhivorad Milich
Duration: 30′
Berlin Fiction follows the journey of DJ Lion, a talented but struggling techno artist in Berlin. After years of performing at the world’s top clubs, DJ Lion finds himself at a crossroads—his passion for electronic music remains, but financial pressures, industry disillusionment, and the fading support of his manager threaten to derail him. One sleepless night, in a moment of creative desperation, he discovers a new path by accident: writing and composing pop music.
Lion’s unexpected venture into commercial music brings fresh inspiration, but it also exposes the harsh realities of the industry, testing his friendships and beliefs about artistry and success. As he wrestles with the betrayal of his trusted manager, Axel, and confronts his fears of selling out, DJ Lion must decide whether to stay true to his roots or embrace change for a chance at survival.
Set against the vibrant yet lonely backdrop of Berlin’s music scene, Berlin Fiction is a poignant exploration of ambition, burnout, and the fine line between artistic integrity and commercial success.
Director Biography – Zhivorad Milich
Zhivorad Milich is a Serbian-Bulgarian filmmaker and sound engineer currently based in Berlin. Born in Pirot, Serbia, he has recently embarked on his filmmaking journey at the SAE Institute Berlin, where he is completing his final semester in film production. “Lost in Berlin,” his first short film, showcases his multifaceted talent as a director, actor, composer, and sound designer, reflecting his commitment to crafting immersive audiovisual experiences.
Zhivorad’s artistic roots trace back to his high school days at Gimnazija Pirot, where he first stepped into the limelight, performing at the local city theatre. This early passion for performance led him to a successful 30-year career as a DJ, where he has entertained audiences worldwide. His expertise in music production has flourished over the past two decades, teaching at the Electronic Music School Berlin and guiding advanced groups both in-person and online.
With a solid foundation in sound engineering—having graduated from SAE Berlin 12 years ago—Zhivorad brings a unique auditory perspective to his films. As he prepares to release his second short film, exceeding 30 minutes in length, he looks forward to further exploring the realms of storytelling through cinema.
Director Statement
“Berlin Fiction” is more than just a film; it’s a deeply personal reflection of my experiences as an artist navigating the complexities of the music industry and creative life in Berlin. This project allowed me to explore multiple facets of storytelling—not only through the script and acting, but also through the music, sound design, lighting, and editing, each of which carries a piece of my emotional and artistic journey.
As the writer, director, lead actor, composer, and editor, I wanted to blend the boundaries between film and music. DJ Lion’s story mirrors many of my own challenges—struggling between artistic authenticity and commercial expectations, facing financial insecurities, and dealing with industry gatekeepers who see more value in image than talent. It’s a true story at its core, wrapped in fiction to communicate the emotional highs and lows that come with pursuing a creative path.
The sound design and original music were critical in building the film’s atmosphere. Every beat, melody, and sound was crafted to reflect the protagonist’s emotional state—using techno as both a character and a narrative device. The visual design, from lighting choices to scene composition, was deliberately minimal, focusing on the intimacy of internal conflict and the isolating nature of creative pursuits, even in a vibrant city like Berlin.
Directing this film while also performing as the lead actor was both a challenge and a blessing. It gave me the ability to embody the character’s emotions authentically, ensuring the performance was as raw and honest as possible. Editing the film allowed me to shape the narrative rhythm and emotional flow, blending moments of stillness with bursts of inspiration and frustration, much like the process of creating music.
“Berlin Fiction” is a film about resilience—about finding inspiration in moments of despair and redefining oneself when the world seems to turn away. It’s an ode to those who continue to create despite doubt and rejection. Through this film, I hope to offer a window into the mind of a creator, battling between dreams and reality, and inspire others to persist with their passions, no matter how uncertain the path may seem.